12 Awesomely Sustainable Gift Ideas

When it comes to being sustainable, we Badgers take pride in committing to it all year round. For example, the only money I spent on this past “Black Friday” gained me entry into two state parks in Florida. For eleven bucks I went kayaking, saw wild monkeys, and watched manatees mosey around.

Back here in New Hampshire, the Monadnock region celebrated “Plaid Friday” – the small business answer to black Friday, where we patronize our local retailers in lieu of big box stores. Many Badgers wore their plaid and supported stores like Hannah Grimes Marketplace.

For those gifts we just can’t get locally, or for gifts to ship to loved ones far away, we rely on the internet. But that doesn’t mean that we have to compromise our sustainable values! Thanks to certifications like B Corp, Fair TradeTM and organic, we can gift according to our values. And find some really cool stuff! Here are my top picks for fun, sustainable gifts that I can’t wait to give!

For the newly expecting or new parents on your list, treat them to this beautiful set from fellow B Corp Dhana. This set is organic cotton and really absorbent. The baby blanket fits easily in car seat and stroller. And we’re willing to bet that this set remains useful even after baby gets bigger.

Variety is the spice of life! This gift box is ideal for the long-distance loved one. It’s also a great gift for those who seem to already have one of everything! The box comes complete with Teatulia Organic Ginger Single Serve Tea and Organic Black Single Serve Tea, King Arthur Flour Maple Pumpkin Butter, Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Fig Ancient Grain Granola, Alter Eco Salted Caramel Truffle, and Madhava Organic Honey Bear. All of these companies are B Corps, organic, and totally sustainable. Truly a box that is a force for good!

This is a great gift for partners to give each other. Fellow B Corp Untours personally selects an apartment for you in the Spanish countryside, so you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Untours also offers full support for the duration of your visit, including use of one of their cell phones, a stash of groceries upon your arrival, and pre-trip planning advice.

108 pages and 100 photographs of pure nostalgia. This book examines how two unknown tribes of climbers and surfers in the 1950’s eventually crossed paths and influenced each other and future generations. Perfect for the avid surfer AND couch surfer! This book can be found on fellow B Corp Patagonia’s website.

Know a budding mixologist? Perhaps just someone who prides themselves on classy entertaining? Then this set from fellow B Corp Teatulia could be just what you’re looking for! Comes complete with sixteen organic Ginger Herbal Infusion tea bags, one cocktail shaker, and A Mixologist’s Guide to Legendary Tea-Infused Cocktails book. This gift will make your reputation for giving legen (wait for it) dary!

Another organic tea option is this beautiful box from organic and fair trade B Corp Numi. Forty tea bags are separated by moods such as “Balance,” “Focus,” and “Energize.” Plus, if you use the code GIVINGTUESDAY2015 and you’ll receive 15% off, and Numi will donate your savings to Together for H2OPE, which helps to provide safe, clean drinking water to people in need.

This gift is perfect for the sustainable pet lover. B Corp Found my Animal encourages rescue over purchase of animals, as well as sustainable pet products. They have supported many worthy Animal Rescue organizations, including the ASPCA, CARE for Animals, and various Humane Societies. Just be warned before you go to their site: you might navigate away wanting to adopt an animal!

This gift is great for kids, gardeners, wannabe gardeners, and anyone who likes to watch things grow. I’ve linked to the deluxe gift set here, but each component (Mushroom Farm, Garden in a Can four-pack, and Water Garden) can be purchased separately. And if you purchase a Ready to Grow or Ready to Eat product and upload a picture on their website, they’ll donate a product to the classroom of your choice! Back to the Roots takes their B Corp mission to #BtheChange seriously!

I don’t know about you, but there’s always one or two people on my list for which I have no idea what to get. Artisan Connect is a great site to go to for just such an occasion. Their elegant and sustainable designs have the story of the artisan group included on the page, as well as images to let you know which social services they provide to the community. On this page, they show healthcare and education. That’s the B Corp spirit! So even though I may not know you very well mailman Jerry, you’ll still get a little something that makes the world a better place.

Fellow B Corp Sweetriot sure knows how to make the gift that keeps on giving. Are you buying a gift for someone who can’t get enough chocolate? Consider getting them a membership in the Riot Club. You can send someone a 12-pack of their favorite chocolate monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. Like the idea but not sure about the bars? Check out their other Riot Clubs. All bars are certified organic and fair trade.

The catchy tagline “if you can throw, you can grow” makes this a perfect gift for kids of all ages. A fun activity that encourages the bee population. The nutrient-rich balls include seeds of Mexican Sunflowers, borage, cosmos, asters, coreopsis, marigolds, poppies, and forget-me-nots. B Corp Gardner’s Supply Company also offers a Monarch Butterfly Seed Ball, as well.

Jentri Jollimore has been with Badger's marketing department since 2008, and active in the natural products industry for more than 10 years. When she's not handling PR and Social Media for Badger, she enjoys playing guitar, composing songs, and writing scores for short films.

3 comments on “12 Awesomely Sustainable Gift Ideas”

Thank you for the great gift ideas. I would like to recommend Ten Thousand Villages, a Fair Trade company that sells handcrafted items from artisans all over the world, including countries underdeveloped and impoverished. The handiwork is gorgeous and diverse, and there are always affordable finds. This past holiday season, I shopped there and at Badger’s, and everyone loved their presents; and I felt good about giving my loved ones things that are healthy for them and contribute to helping others 🙂